13.6.2014
Thailands Curfew has been lifted countrywide: The National Council for Peace and Order announced the lifting of curfew nationwide Friday night with immediate effect. The military junta said there were no more signs of violece in the areas still concerned. (The Nation).
Thailands rice farmers are paid until June 22: Coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha said in his Friday night televison adress that debts owed to all farmers under the rice-pledging program of the former government of Yingluck Shinawatra would be cleared on June 22 as promised, and that 80% of 600,000 farmers had received money already. (Bangkok Post). Prayuth has announced also, that the rice-pledging program will not be continued. This means: The government will not garantee rice prices above the market prices anymore. (Thai PBS)
7.6.2014
Junta-Leader as Songwriter: "Return Happiness to Thailand" (listen) is a song composed by no one other than General Prayuth Chan-ocha. The four-minute tune debuted on an army radio station on Friday,as Bangkok Post reports. "Gen Prayuth composed the lyrics to send his message to Thais and encourage them to be united again," said Col Kritsada Sarika, commander of the army band. There are comments about this: ploydonut writes: When I listen to this song, it make me smile and be happy and I do hope that he make one song every week for us or sing the song for us on the TV. (Bangkok Post)
Anti-coup leader Sombat Boonngam-anong has been catched: A test for Thailands military junta: How will she treat Sombat Boonngam-anong after he has been nabbed by police and soldiers in Chon Buri? (The Nation)
Curfew lifted in tourist areas in Thailand, but not in Bangkok and Chiang Mai: Thailands National Council for Peace and Order on Friday lifted curfew in Phetchburi’s Cha-am district, Prachuab Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district, Krabi and Phang Nga provinces. Earlier id had been lifted in Pattaya, in Phuket and on Koh Samui.(The Nation) The June 12 full-moon party on Koh Phangan will go ahead as planned after the army gave the operator the green light.(Bangkok Post)
Moves against corruption: The National Anti-Corruption Commission set up a committee to investigate assets of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and former minister who were involved in the rice-pledging scheme. Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said Friday night that invesigations into alleged frauds in the rice-pledging scheme are pending and wrongdoers would be punished in line with the justice system. (The Nation).
Thai consumer confidence increasing after coup: Thai consumer confidence index increased for the first time in 14 months, reaching the highest score in four months in May on hope that the coup would bring about political stability, according to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. (The Nation)
1.6.2014
Thai forces descend on central Bangkok to stifle coup protests: Thailand's military government sent thousands of troops and police into central Bangkok on Sunday to stop any demonstrations against its seizure of power, and some shopping malls and train stations closed to avoid trouble.(Reuters) Police reopen roads around the Democracy Monument at 11:30 Sunday after no protesters showed up. (The Nation). About 100 anti-coup protesters have gathered in front of Terminal 21 department store at the Asoke intersection. (Bangkok Post)
In junta-ruled Thailand, reading is now resistance: On Saturday evening in Bangkok about a dozen people gathered in the middle of a busy, elevated walkway connecting several of the capital’s most luxurious shopping malls. As pedestrians trundled past, the protesters sat down, pulled out book titles such as George Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four” — a dystopian novel about life in a totalitarian surveillance state — and began to read. Read more. (Associated Press)
29.5.2014
Police shake-up cuts ties to Thaksin: Since the military took over administrative power last week, scores of high-ranking police have been removed from their posts for their alleged links with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The Junta moves in officers it can trust. (Bangkok Post)
On Koh Tao one would not know there was a coup or curfew in operation: "All businesses are operating normally and there has been no effect on night life or restaurants", writes Goodtime Adventures on tripadvisor.com.
About 1,300 soldiers and police were dispatched to the Victory Monument on Thursday to prevent another demonstration against the coup: After several rallies the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) on Thursday closed all roads to the Victory monument for about three hours from 3.30pm with troops and police in anti-riot gear. (Bangkok Post). From 6.20 pm the roads were reopened.
28.5.2014
Thai military rulers appoint anti-Thaksin advisers: Thailand's junta has appointed two retired generals with palace connections as advisers, the former defense minister, General Prawit Wongsuwan, and former army chief General Anupong Paochinda. A Reuters report in December revealed that Prawit and Anupong had secretly backed the anti-government protests that undermined the government of Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra. (Reuters)
Facebook shortly blocked: Thai Facebook users were alarmed on Wednesday when the Information Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry blocked access to the site at the request of the military, but the junta blamed the brief shutdown on a technical problem. (Reuters)
NCPO holding 76, freezes assets of four more: The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is still detaining 76 people who have turned themselves in, and has frozen the assets of four other people who defied its order to report to the junta leaders: Charupong Ruangsuwan, former interior minister and leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Chaturon Chaisaeng, former education minister and key figure of Pheu Thai, Prasit Chaisrisa, former Pheu Thai MP for Surin, and red-shirt activist Sombat Boonngam-anong. (Bangkok Post)
Despite its Red Shirt reputation, Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai, has remained calm since the coup: A week into the coup, army troops continue to be a highly visible presence on Chiang Mai's streets with bases set up at two of the main gates that ring the old city. (Al Jazeera)
27.5.2014
Curfew reduced: Now from midnight to 4am: Thailands military junta announced the reduction of curfew time. New time from Wednesday: From midnight to 4am. Shopping Centres reacted quickly: On Wednesday back to normal: Open from 10am to 10 pm (The Nation)
26.5.2014
Rice farmers are getting paid: Rice farmers across Thailand were delighted as payments under the rice-pledging scheme resumed Monday under the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). (The Nation). 90 billion baht are going be paid out in the next month according to Bangkok Post.
Suthep Thaugsuban free on bail, appears at court: The leader of the anti-government protests, Suthep Thaugsuban, on Monday was released on bail after appearing in court for his involvement in the political violence in 2010. He was indicted in the Criminal Court on charges of murder and attempted murders for allegedly ordering the military crackdown on red-shirt protesters in 2010, causing 98 deaths and hundreds of injuries. (Bangkok Post). He had been kept in military detention. (The Nation)
Royal endorsement for Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO): The coup leader said Thailands King had formally endorsed his position as head of the NCPO. . (Bangkok Post) The annoiuncement by King Bhumibol Adulyadej was published on en.khaosod.co.th.
Thai "Red Shirts" cornered: With leaders rounded up and soldiers deployed in their rural heartlands, Thailand's "Red Shirts" have gone to ground but experts say they will regroup. Read more by AFP.
25.5.2014
Yingluck Shinawatra: The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) released the former
prime minister from an army camp on Sunday night, an
army source said. (Bangkok Post). But the junta continued actions against the political clan of her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra. His only son, Panthongtae, was taken into custody at Chiang Mai international airport. (Thai PBS). And Chiang Mai police boss Krit Kittilue was transferred to another post on Sunday. (Bangkok Post). Later it was reported, that this transfer was cancelled. (Bangkok Post) Chiang Mai is a stronghold of the Shinawatra family and the Redshirts. Therefore the situation here is delicate, as Reuters describes.
24.5.2014
Yingluck Shinawatra: The former Prime Minister, her elder sister Yaowapa Wongsawat and husband Somchai are in military custody at a safehouse in Saraburi, the centre of the Army Calvary force. This was confirmed by Channel 3 reporter Thapanee Ietsrichai according to Thai PBS TV. Yingluck’s close aide Mrs Supakarn Suprakarn, a member of Chiang Mai provincial administration said all were safe and still living comfortably. Thapanee tweets on her Twitter that Ms Yingluck was escorted to the Adisorn barrack of the Cavalry Centre. Read also Chiangrai Times.
Senate dissvolved, Police chief sacked: National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has ordered the dissolution of Thailands Senate. Police General Adul Saengsingkaew had been moved to an inactive post in the Prime Minister's Office. He has been seen as loyal Thaksin Shinawatra. (Bangkok Post)
Money for the rice farmers: Coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha has announced he plans to use a national budget to pay for the rice that farmers. They have been waiting for the money for months without receiving it from the Shinawatra government. The state rice-buying scheme was one of the key policies in the populist electoral platform that brought ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra to power in 2011. It was criticized by opponents who played a role in driving her from office for running up huge losses and being riddled with corruption. The scheme boosted rural incomes but made it impossible for the government to sell the rice on the export market without incurring big losses.(Bangkok Post, Reuters)
Anti-Coup-Protests: For 8pm a protest against the #ThaiCoup was announced on Facebook. People are asked to take pics of themselves holding candles. Anti-coup protesters demonstrated at Chang Puak Gate (North Side of moat). See pictures on Twitter. Protests as well on Pahonyothin Road, at Victory Monument and on MBK Skywalk in Bangkok, see pictures on Twitter.
23.5.2014
TV: CNN, BBC and the normal program of Thai TV Stations have been shut down by the military. But internet ist not shut down. Thai TV CH. 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11 will go back on air Friday afternoon but not ThaiPBS.
Border crossings: There are no problems for internationaltourists entering and leaving Thailand by airports. On land borders Military is preventing Thai persons from leaving Thailand. Read more on The Nation. But it seams, that holders of passports can cross borders (The Cambodia Herald). No problems are reported in Twiutter by tourists.
Border Thailand/Laos:
Nong Khai border crossing restricted. Massive traffic jams atThai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Border Thailand/Myanmar:
Myawaddy-Mae Sot Border Crossing was briefly closed and reopened, development unclear.
Border Thailand/Cambodia:
Chong Chom Border crossing closed
Chong Sa Ngom Border Crossing closed
Aranyaprathet/Poipet border crossing: Restrictions
Read more:
Soldiers, selfies and a military coup: The unusual state of tourism in Thailand (CNN).
Thailand coup: Military leader summons politicians.Ousted leader Yingluck Shinawatra, the acting PM and his government, and protest leaders were among those told to report in to the army.(BBC) Later in the day a military-spokesman said, that Yingluck Shinawatra is beeing detained for some days, with her her sister and brother-in-law.(Reuters) On her Facebook-Page until now no notice about this.
Richard Barrow, a blogger in Bangkok, is reporting on twitter.com/RichardBarrow. Former PM Yingluck reports to NPOMC at Royal Thai Army auditorium in Thewes area. Taxi Services at Suvarnabhumi Airport are available for 24 hours. Tourist are allowed to travel to and from airports also d
uring curfew from 22pm to 5am. Friends report that land borders in Nong Khai and Pailin (Cambodia) are closed.
Thai journalist is protesting against censorship on picture.
Ousted prime minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan has reported to the junta's new National Peace and Order Maintaining Council (NPOMC), (Bangkok Post).
Nine roads in Bangkok which were earlier occupied by either pro- or anti-government protesters remained closed or partially closed on Friday morning. (Bangkok Post)
NPOMC prohibits 155 persons from travelling abroad, among them Yingluck Shinawatra. (The Nation)
UDD, PDRC leaders remain detained, others released (The Nation)
Thailands Junta, the "National Peace and Order Maintaing Council", has quickly opened a Facebook-Page.
Background:
"Everyone sit still" - Thai general calmly declares his coup How Thailand's army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha gathered the leaders of pro- and anti-government protests for a closed-door meeting and how they saw themselves suddenly trapped.(Reuters)
Thailand militarisation is symptom of accelerating global system failure. Crippling fossil fuel dependency, climate volatility, rocketing debt levels are propelling protests, radicalising the state. This writes Nafeez Ahmed.
Showing posts with label Yingluck Shinawatra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yingluck Shinawatra. Show all posts
Friday, June 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Dead of innocent Children in Bangkok and Trat:
The Turning Point of the Crisis in Thailand?
Two innocent children died in Bangkok following a grenade attack near a Big C supermarket in Bangkok. This happened on Sunday, after the confrontation between the government forces of Yingluck Shinawatra and the antigovernment-protesters following Suthep Thaugsuban had become more and more violent. Before two five-year-old girls were killed when gunmen attacked a protest rally in Trat on Saturday night.
Now this:
"Talks underway"
writes Bangkok Post. Negotiations to end the political crisis between the government and the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) have started, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said on his Facebook page on Tuesday. The former prime minister said he acted as a moderator in Monday's talks between Pheu Thai No 2 party-list candidate Somchai Wongsawat and Luang Pu Buddha Issara, a PDRC co-leader. Pheu Thai is the party behind Yingluck Shinawatra. He said the heart of Monday's talks was that both sides agreed to create a negotiation process that will lead to solutions to the crisis.
So there is some hope.
But in the night from Monday to Tuesday two people were slightly injured when the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) anti-government rally site in Lumpini was attacked for three hours shortly after midnight. According to reports, about 20 grenades were used to attack the area, as Bangkok Post reports. And anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday he will never negotiate with caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and accused her of "ordering her minions to murder children", reports Bangkok Post.
Meanwhile the government of Yingluck Shinawatra is trying to pay the rice farmers, to whom it owes 110 billion Bath. It plans to take 20 millions Bath from the central budget, reports The Nation. But Shinawatra's government is only the interims-government (so called caretaker government), after elections have been announced and hold. And this interims-government has limited borrowing and spending powers and needs therefore a ratification by the Election Commission for this payment.
Banks so far have not given credits to Shinawatras government for paying the rice farmers. When the Government Savings Bank announced a loan for that reason last week, savers rushed to withdraw their money. The loan then was stopped and the president of the bank resigned. Other private banks went so far, to inform the customers on the screens of ATMs, that they would not give a loan to the government for paying the rice farmers. Meanwhile, the Government Pension Fund said on Tuesday it would not buy government bonds, as The Nation reports. That illustrates, how less trust Shinawatra's government is enjoying. And the same newspaper also writes, that the rice-subvention-system of the Shinawatra-government is a death trap for government and farmers and says why.
So no one was wondering, as Thailand's army chief warned Monday the country risks "collapse" unless it pulls back from escalating violence. "As days go by, there will be more violence until it cannot be controlled," army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha warned in a rare televised live speech. "If losses continue, the country will collapse for sure and nobody will win or lose," he said according to AFP. Prayut urged reconciliation and talks. He said troops are "ready to do their duty" but "do not want to use force and weapons to unnecessarily fight with the Thai people".
Now this:
"Talks underway"
writes Bangkok Post. Negotiations to end the political crisis between the government and the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) have started, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said on his Facebook page on Tuesday. The former prime minister said he acted as a moderator in Monday's talks between Pheu Thai No 2 party-list candidate Somchai Wongsawat and Luang Pu Buddha Issara, a PDRC co-leader. Pheu Thai is the party behind Yingluck Shinawatra. He said the heart of Monday's talks was that both sides agreed to create a negotiation process that will lead to solutions to the crisis.
So there is some hope.
But in the night from Monday to Tuesday two people were slightly injured when the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) anti-government rally site in Lumpini was attacked for three hours shortly after midnight. According to reports, about 20 grenades were used to attack the area, as Bangkok Post reports. And anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday he will never negotiate with caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and accused her of "ordering her minions to murder children", reports Bangkok Post.
Meanwhile the government of Yingluck Shinawatra is trying to pay the rice farmers, to whom it owes 110 billion Bath. It plans to take 20 millions Bath from the central budget, reports The Nation. But Shinawatra's government is only the interims-government (so called caretaker government), after elections have been announced and hold. And this interims-government has limited borrowing and spending powers and needs therefore a ratification by the Election Commission for this payment.
Banks so far have not given credits to Shinawatras government for paying the rice farmers. When the Government Savings Bank announced a loan for that reason last week, savers rushed to withdraw their money. The loan then was stopped and the president of the bank resigned. Other private banks went so far, to inform the customers on the screens of ATMs, that they would not give a loan to the government for paying the rice farmers. Meanwhile, the Government Pension Fund said on Tuesday it would not buy government bonds, as The Nation reports. That illustrates, how less trust Shinawatra's government is enjoying. And the same newspaper also writes, that the rice-subvention-system of the Shinawatra-government is a death trap for government and farmers and says why.
So no one was wondering, as Thailand's army chief warned Monday the country risks "collapse" unless it pulls back from escalating violence. "As days go by, there will be more violence until it cannot be controlled," army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha warned in a rare televised live speech. "If losses continue, the country will collapse for sure and nobody will win or lose," he said according to AFP. Prayut urged reconciliation and talks. He said troops are "ready to do their duty" but "do not want to use force and weapons to unnecessarily fight with the Thai people".
Thursday, February 20, 2014
4 people dead in Bangkok, 64 injured -
but nothing cleared in Thailand
One police officer and three civilians were killed and 64 injured as authorities tried to reclaim the anti-government protest site at Phan Fah Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok un Tuesday February 19 (see Bangkok Post).
But the try to clear the protests site by the government of Yingluck Shinawatra did clear nothing. On Wednesday strong protests were ongoing. After the protesters had blocked Government house, protest-leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday led about 20000 protesters to block Yingluck Shinawatra from entering the Office of the Defence Permanent Secretary at Muang Thong Thani, which she had been using for cabinet meetings, as Bangkok Post reported. The prime minister did not show up.
Suthep Thaugsuban, whom the police has orders to arrest, was able to talk to General Apichart Saengrungruang, director of the Defence Industry and Energy Centre. Suthep called for the armed forces to side with demonstrators to quickly wrap up the campaign to oust the prime minister. But General Apichart insisted on no military involvement in settling the conflict, saying that political problems should be resolved by political means (read Bangkok Post).
The anti-government movement scored a major victory on Wednesday when the Civil Court ruled in favour of protester Thaworn Senneam's petition, prohibiting the government from abusing the emergency decree to subvert people's right to peaceful and constitutional assembly. The court by a majority vote ruled that the government's Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) cannot use force to disperse the protest, as The Nation reports.
"We deserve better: it's time to restart Thailand", wrote the former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, in the Financial Times. "Only someone credible and accepted by all sides can lead the reform process and manage the short transition to new elections in which everyone participates."
But the try to clear the protests site by the government of Yingluck Shinawatra did clear nothing. On Wednesday strong protests were ongoing. After the protesters had blocked Government house, protest-leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday led about 20000 protesters to block Yingluck Shinawatra from entering the Office of the Defence Permanent Secretary at Muang Thong Thani, which she had been using for cabinet meetings, as Bangkok Post reported. The prime minister did not show up.
Suthep Thaugsuban, whom the police has orders to arrest, was able to talk to General Apichart Saengrungruang, director of the Defence Industry and Energy Centre. Suthep called for the armed forces to side with demonstrators to quickly wrap up the campaign to oust the prime minister. But General Apichart insisted on no military involvement in settling the conflict, saying that political problems should be resolved by political means (read Bangkok Post).
The anti-government movement scored a major victory on Wednesday when the Civil Court ruled in favour of protester Thaworn Senneam's petition, prohibiting the government from abusing the emergency decree to subvert people's right to peaceful and constitutional assembly. The court by a majority vote ruled that the government's Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) cannot use force to disperse the protest, as The Nation reports.
"We deserve better: it's time to restart Thailand", wrote the former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, in the Financial Times. "Only someone credible and accepted by all sides can lead the reform process and manage the short transition to new elections in which everyone participates."
Monday, February 17, 2014
Rice Policy of Yingluck Shinawatra:
Now Government Savings Bank under pressure
Thailands Governments Savings Bank saw unusual cash-withdrawals on Monday, after the Bank had announced to indirectly loan funds to pay farmers owed money under the rice-pledging scheme of the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. This is reported by Bangkok Post. The Government Saving Bank is stateowned. And it gave the loan to Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, which is stateowned as well.
Later yesterday the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives informed, that it halts the loan from Government Savings Bank until the Finance Ministry clarifies the legality of such loans, as The Nation reported.
Also on Monday thousands of farmers marched from the Commerce Ministry and other sites to the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence in Muang Thong Thani, demanding a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. She did not show up.
14.2.2013
Will the Rice Policy of Yingluck Shinawatra lead to her end as Thailands Primeminister?
It looks less and less impossible, that Thailands Primeminister Yingluck Shinawatra will have to step down due to her rice policy. Thailands National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is expected to bring formal charges against her for her role in the rice-pledging scheme later this month, reports Bangkok Post. The question is: Will Yingluck Shinawatra have to face charges of violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code for dereliction of duty? If the main NACC panel decides to indict her and take the case to court, she would be required to step down from all official roles.
The government rice pledging programme has beem critizied due to corruption and inefficiency already by many experts. One of the most important economic policies of the Yingluck Shinawatra government, the programme represents a guarantee by the state to purchase unlimited amounts of rice from local farmers at prices as much as 50 percent higher than market value, as Bangkok Post reported.
Right now Thailands rice farmers are protesting against the government, because they didn't get the payment in time. Yingluck Shinawatras government was not able to raise funds to pay the farmers. Right now there are reports, that rice mills could help the farmers and the government, as The Nation writes.
Later yesterday the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives informed, that it halts the loan from Government Savings Bank until the Finance Ministry clarifies the legality of such loans, as The Nation reported.
Also on Monday thousands of farmers marched from the Commerce Ministry and other sites to the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence in Muang Thong Thani, demanding a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. She did not show up.
14.2.2013
Will the Rice Policy of Yingluck Shinawatra lead to her end as Thailands Primeminister?
It looks less and less impossible, that Thailands Primeminister Yingluck Shinawatra will have to step down due to her rice policy. Thailands National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is expected to bring formal charges against her for her role in the rice-pledging scheme later this month, reports Bangkok Post. The question is: Will Yingluck Shinawatra have to face charges of violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code for dereliction of duty? If the main NACC panel decides to indict her and take the case to court, she would be required to step down from all official roles.
The government rice pledging programme has beem critizied due to corruption and inefficiency already by many experts. One of the most important economic policies of the Yingluck Shinawatra government, the programme represents a guarantee by the state to purchase unlimited amounts of rice from local farmers at prices as much as 50 percent higher than market value, as Bangkok Post reported.
Right now Thailands rice farmers are protesting against the government, because they didn't get the payment in time. Yingluck Shinawatras government was not able to raise funds to pay the farmers. Right now there are reports, that rice mills could help the farmers and the government, as The Nation writes.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Success for Antigovernment Protesters in Bangkok so far:
No Election Results in Thailand until now
Thailands government, led by Yingluck Shinawatra, held elections on February 2. But until now the Election Commission was not able to announce results. This looks like a victory for the antigovernment protesters around Suthep Thaugsuban.
The facts so far:
The Election Commission tries to make a descision on Friday Febriary 7, as The Nation reports.
The problems: 28 constituencies had no candidates; more than 12,000 polling stations were not open to voters; about 10 million voters were not able to cast their ballots; the advance voting could not be held regularly, a new round is needed, and 16 constituencies had only one candidate each.
The election saw low voter turnouts in many areas and millions of "no votes", in which voters cast their ballot but did not choose a political party or candidate, as The Nation writes.
Suthep Thaugsuban has announced he will lead a march on Friday to Silom to support rice farmers who are still waitung for the money, which the government of Yingluck Shinawatra has promised. Read more on The Nation. Meanwhile the government tries to arrest Suthep Thaugsuban. The Criminal Court Wednesday approved arrest warrants against 19 leaders of antigovernment protests, among them Suthep Thaugsuban.
The facts so far:
The Election Commission tries to make a descision on Friday Febriary 7, as The Nation reports.
The problems: 28 constituencies had no candidates; more than 12,000 polling stations were not open to voters; about 10 million voters were not able to cast their ballots; the advance voting could not be held regularly, a new round is needed, and 16 constituencies had only one candidate each.
The election saw low voter turnouts in many areas and millions of "no votes", in which voters cast their ballot but did not choose a political party or candidate, as The Nation writes.
Suthep Thaugsuban has announced he will lead a march on Friday to Silom to support rice farmers who are still waitung for the money, which the government of Yingluck Shinawatra has promised. Read more on The Nation. Meanwhile the government tries to arrest Suthep Thaugsuban. The Criminal Court Wednesday approved arrest warrants against 19 leaders of antigovernment protests, among them Suthep Thaugsuban.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Hard hit for Yingluck Shinawatra:
Her government cannot pay rice farmers
January 30, Day 18 of Bangkok Shutdown: This could be a turning point for Thailands Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra: Her government is not able to pay rice farmers before the election on Sunday February 2. It failed to secure massive loans to pay farmers ahead of Sunday's election. "This bad news is likely to hit the ruling Pheu Thai Party hard at the ballot box, after many rice farmers threatened to boycott the election or vote against the party if they were not paid before the election", writes The Nation. Pheu Thai Party had strong support from the regions with the rice farmers in former elections. But now the rice farmers have been protesting for weeks, because their payment did not arrive.
January 29, Day 17 of Bangkok Shutdown: What happens in the head of anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban? He gave a rare interview to Bangkok Post: About how the police tries to catch him, how he escapes, about the money needed to finance the protest camps. From 'shutdown' to 'paralysis': Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday announced protest marches for three consecutive days that will paralyse Bangkok and turn it into one big “walking street and picnic ground” for Sunday’s general election, reports Bangkok Post.
January 28, Day 16 of Bangkok Shutdown: There seems to be no end of the confrontation between the anti-government-protesters and the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The government insisted on Tuesday that the general election will go ahead as planned on Sunday February 2, despite Election Commission warnings over potential chaos and violence on polling day, reports Bangkok Post. In front of the Army Club a police member shot an anti-government protester. He was then attacked by anti-government protesters, as Bangkok Post describes. The so called Red Shirts, the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, supporting Yingluck Shinawatra, has announced a mass rally for Friday in support of the election on Sunday, as The Nation writes.
January 23, Day 11 of Bangkok Shutdown: Suthep Taugsuban, leader of People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), received a warm welcome by tens of thousands of Bangkok people and foreigners alike when he marched along Asoke to Wireless roads, reports Thai PBS. Meanwhile the government of Yingluck Shinawatra has announced, that it focuses on the arrest of the protest leaders, as The Nation reports. Under the emergency decree invoked on Wednesday, the government banned public gatherings of five or more people. But in the same time the government speaker said, there would be no operation to disperse the street demonstration... Meanwhile rice farmers waiting for payment by the government become a more and more big problem for the government, as The Nation describes. They threat to punish the government parties in den February 2 election.
January 22, Day 10 of Bangkok Shutdown: Thai military is ready to take action if the political situation turns violent, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said according to Bangkok Post. He warned that some groups were using illegal and violent methods to stir up unrest but they would not succeed. "I condemn these people. I have some information about who they are. I repeat my warning that they must not [use violence] again. We are gathering evidence so police can take legal action," Gen Prayuth said.
The anti-government protesters (PDRC) have seized town halls upcountry. In Narathiwat and Rayong state agency employees are off work for the rest of the week, as Bangkok Post reports. The Ratchaburi PDRC's protest was given a boost when farmers upset by the state's delayed rice-pledging payments joined its rally.
January 19, Day 7 of Bangkok Shutdown: Again bloody explosion: Twenty nine people were injured in a bomb explosion at the Victory Monument anti-government protest rally site at about 1.34pm. According to Bangkok Post an unidentified man threw an explosive device near a press centre tent behind the rally stage and ran off. He was chased by security guards and protesters, prompting him to toss another bomb.
On Saturday morning one protesters died after sustaining serious injuries in the Banthat Thong Road grenade attack on Friday. On Saturday protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban marched through Bangkok alongside the wife of the killed man. Read Bangkok Post.
January 17, Day 5 of Bangkok Shutdown: A daylight attack and grenade explosion injured 36 protesters marching on Banthat Thong road on Friday. The attack occurred at 1.04pm, the explosion hitting the protest about 200 metres from where PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban was leading the march from the Lumpini Park stage to Silom, Si Phraya and Banthat Thong roads. Read more on Bangkok Post. With anti-government protests looking set to continue, Bangkok appears likely to witness intensifying violence as days go by, reports The Nation.
January 16, Day 4 of Bangkok Shutdown: An M26 hand grenade was thrown into Suan Pakkad Palace on Si Ayutthaya Road, home of Bangkok Governor ML Sukhumbhand Paribatra on late Thursday night. No injuries were reported by Bangkok Post.Sukhumbhand is member of the oppositional Democrat Party.
Hundreds of Nonthaburi-based members of PDRC, the antigovernment-protesters, set up a stage in front of the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi. Nonthaburi is a stronghold of the red-shirts, who support prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. There are no signs of confrontations between the two groups in Nonthaburi until now, as Bangkok Post reports.
The Election Commission (EC) today sent a second letter asking caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to discuss postponing the February 2 elections, as Bangkok Post writes.
The Bangkok shutdown has affected motorists above all but also hotels, tourism, information technology and domestic consumption. Read more.
The fact-finding committee of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to investigate Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in connection with the irregularities in the government's controversial rice pledging scheme, reports The Nation.
Picture by Sora Wong
What antigovernment-protesters in Bangkok are asking for
January 15, Day 3 of Bangkok Shutdown:
The shutdown campaign helps to improve environment: In Bangkok there is a sharp decrease in hazardous fine dust particles in the air - due to fewer cars on the roads, as Bangkok Post reports.
Attacks fire up tensions: Tuesday night two people were injured in a bomb and gun attack near the Chalerm La 56 bridge, not far from the Pathumwan intersection rally site. Then there was a bomb attack on the housing compound of Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. A bus taking protesters from the South to a rally site at Nang Loeng was set on fire, as Bangkok Post reports.
Rice-problems for government: The government of Yingluck Shinawatra is also under pressure on Thailands countryside. Rice farmers are complaining about payments, which are not coming. Rice farmers are threatening to block a major road linking Phitsanulok and Nakhon Sawan, as Bangkok Post reports.
Yingluck Shinawatra does not stop February 2 election: After holding a meeting the Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declared her government had no authority to postpone the February 2 election. But in the meantime the chances have not improved, that this election will really take place under regular conditions. Read more on The Nation.
Picture by Sora Wong
Anti-government protesters occupy Bangkoks streets
Day 2 of Bangkok Shutdown ended with prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra saying that she will not quit. PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban vowed to close all government offices in the coming days, and threatened to "detain" the prime minister and all members of her cabinet and cut power and water to their homes. "I think they [cabinet ministers] should send their children and spouses elsewhere," Mr Suthep warned according to Bangkok Post. At 0.10am an explosion near Hua Chang Bridge, on Phyathai Road, was reported. An injured man and a woman were transported to Chulalongkorn Hospital. The bridge is metres away from the Pathumwan rally site, as The Nation reports. The shopping centres Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and Siam Discovery closed early at 6 pm.
Day 1 of Bangkok Shutdown - how the protests have unfolded on Monday January 13, reported by The Nation and by Bangkok Post. The seven intersections Lumpini, Asok, Ratchaprasong, Pathumwan, Victory Monument, Lat Phrao and Chaeng Watthana were blocked by the opponents of the government.
Man shot near a blockade late Sunday night, reports Bangkok Post
Anti-government protesters began their Bangkok shutdown at several locations late Sunday afternoon, reports Bangkok Post. The People's Democratic Reform Committee protesters began blocking traffic and setting up stages at Pathumwan intersection, Lat Phrao intersection, Chaeng Wattana Road and Victory Monument. More roads around Lat Phrao were closed after midnight.
Updates about Shutdown in English on FM88 Radio Station
45 countries issue travel warnings for Bangkok
Bangkok Hotel warns guests not to wear red or yellow clothes
Picture by drburtoni
Bangkok Shurdown - announced by anti-goverment protesters around leader Suthep Thaugsuban has begun Monday January 13 and goes on. A mass demonstration of tenthousands of people is planned to oust the interim-government of Yingluck Shinawatra. What does this mean for Thailand visitors?
Bangkok may be will see the biggest demonstrations forever. May be not.
The latest reliable updates with maps of the demonstrations and the situation at the airports Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang you will find here:
richardbarrow.com
Bangkok Post
The Nation
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Suthep Thangsuban gave assurances that Suvarnabhumi airport and transport terminals will not be sealed off, and all public transportation services will be operated as usual, writes aseanaffairs.com. If this will happen is unpredictable. Passengers are asked to be at airport four hours before departures.
The traffic inside Bangkok will be blocked by demonstrations. It has been announced, that between 6 to 20 important intersections will be blocked. A map has been published by Bangkok Post. For tourists it is important to avoid these areas or others, where demonstrations will take place. In the past weeks there have been violent incidents during the protests. And violent incidents are going in: Seven people were injured in a shooting near the People's Democratic Reform Committee's (PDRC) rally site early Saturday, near the Government Lottery Office and at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, as The Nation reports. In Pathum Thani antigovernemt-protesters clashed with red shirts on Friday January 10. 4 people were hurt. Read more.
Thailands police forces recommend to use public transports on Monday: The Airport Rail Link, the Skytrain and the Metro. From Skytrain it's possible to change to Chao Phraya Express Boats as you can read here. The transport ministry has announced that there will be extra-parkings around the town, shuttle buses, more frequent railway trains, more frequent skytrains and more frequent metrotrains.
Thai Airways International will close headquarters in Bangkok, but the airline's offices at Lan Luang, Silom, and Suvarnabhumi Airport's departure terminal will be open, as thailandqua.com notes.
Hundert companies of police and military forces will be ready in Bangkok to care for security during the protests, as Bangkok Post writes. A military coup is not excluded, but does not seem imminent for the moment.
The German Ambassador has told Germans in Thailand to have enough food stocks at their homes and have enough cash. For the banks it could be difficult to fill up the cash machines during the protests, interruptions of Credit Card payment and ATM could also be caused by interruptions of power or the internet. The US Embassy in Bangkok advises citizens: "It is prudent to ensure you have a week’s supply of cash, keep your mobile communications devices charged, and stock a two week supply of essential items such as food, water, and medicine".
It is unclear, what will happen after Monday January 13. The government fears a military coup. Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said Thursday he does not side with any of the groups in the political divide, nor is the military waiting for the right time to stage another coup. But he said as well: "If one side breaks the law and another side also breaks the law and responds with violence, it will damage the nation and every Thai and no soldier could accept this”, as Bangkok Post reported. Prayuth added later: "No one will stage a coup."
What could happen in the next days? "The Nation":
Analysts say military aims to prevent violence, rather than stage a coup
And what if the govt plays soft? Moves in the days ahead by both the government and the PDRC will determine whether Thailand will find a way out or will be trapped in darkness for a very long time.
The Election Commissions is asking the goverment to postpone elections planned for February 2.
January 29, Day 17 of Bangkok Shutdown: What happens in the head of anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban? He gave a rare interview to Bangkok Post: About how the police tries to catch him, how he escapes, about the money needed to finance the protest camps. From 'shutdown' to 'paralysis': Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday announced protest marches for three consecutive days that will paralyse Bangkok and turn it into one big “walking street and picnic ground” for Sunday’s general election, reports Bangkok Post.
January 28, Day 16 of Bangkok Shutdown: There seems to be no end of the confrontation between the anti-government-protesters and the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The government insisted on Tuesday that the general election will go ahead as planned on Sunday February 2, despite Election Commission warnings over potential chaos and violence on polling day, reports Bangkok Post. In front of the Army Club a police member shot an anti-government protester. He was then attacked by anti-government protesters, as Bangkok Post describes. The so called Red Shirts, the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, supporting Yingluck Shinawatra, has announced a mass rally for Friday in support of the election on Sunday, as The Nation writes.
January 23, Day 11 of Bangkok Shutdown: Suthep Taugsuban, leader of People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), received a warm welcome by tens of thousands of Bangkok people and foreigners alike when he marched along Asoke to Wireless roads, reports Thai PBS. Meanwhile the government of Yingluck Shinawatra has announced, that it focuses on the arrest of the protest leaders, as The Nation reports. Under the emergency decree invoked on Wednesday, the government banned public gatherings of five or more people. But in the same time the government speaker said, there would be no operation to disperse the street demonstration... Meanwhile rice farmers waiting for payment by the government become a more and more big problem for the government, as The Nation describes. They threat to punish the government parties in den February 2 election.
January 22, Day 10 of Bangkok Shutdown: Thai military is ready to take action if the political situation turns violent, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said according to Bangkok Post. He warned that some groups were using illegal and violent methods to stir up unrest but they would not succeed. "I condemn these people. I have some information about who they are. I repeat my warning that they must not [use violence] again. We are gathering evidence so police can take legal action," Gen Prayuth said.
The anti-government protesters (PDRC) have seized town halls upcountry. In Narathiwat and Rayong state agency employees are off work for the rest of the week, as Bangkok Post reports. The Ratchaburi PDRC's protest was given a boost when farmers upset by the state's delayed rice-pledging payments joined its rally.
January 19, Day 7 of Bangkok Shutdown: Again bloody explosion: Twenty nine people were injured in a bomb explosion at the Victory Monument anti-government protest rally site at about 1.34pm. According to Bangkok Post an unidentified man threw an explosive device near a press centre tent behind the rally stage and ran off. He was chased by security guards and protesters, prompting him to toss another bomb.
On Saturday morning one protesters died after sustaining serious injuries in the Banthat Thong Road grenade attack on Friday. On Saturday protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban marched through Bangkok alongside the wife of the killed man. Read Bangkok Post.
January 17, Day 5 of Bangkok Shutdown: A daylight attack and grenade explosion injured 36 protesters marching on Banthat Thong road on Friday. The attack occurred at 1.04pm, the explosion hitting the protest about 200 metres from where PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban was leading the march from the Lumpini Park stage to Silom, Si Phraya and Banthat Thong roads. Read more on Bangkok Post. With anti-government protests looking set to continue, Bangkok appears likely to witness intensifying violence as days go by, reports The Nation.
January 16, Day 4 of Bangkok Shutdown: An M26 hand grenade was thrown into Suan Pakkad Palace on Si Ayutthaya Road, home of Bangkok Governor ML Sukhumbhand Paribatra on late Thursday night. No injuries were reported by Bangkok Post.Sukhumbhand is member of the oppositional Democrat Party.
Hundreds of Nonthaburi-based members of PDRC, the antigovernment-protesters, set up a stage in front of the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi. Nonthaburi is a stronghold of the red-shirts, who support prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. There are no signs of confrontations between the two groups in Nonthaburi until now, as Bangkok Post reports.
The Election Commission (EC) today sent a second letter asking caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to discuss postponing the February 2 elections, as Bangkok Post writes.
The Bangkok shutdown has affected motorists above all but also hotels, tourism, information technology and domestic consumption. Read more.
The fact-finding committee of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to investigate Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in connection with the irregularities in the government's controversial rice pledging scheme, reports The Nation.
Picture by Sora WongWhat antigovernment-protesters in Bangkok are asking for
January 15, Day 3 of Bangkok Shutdown:
The shutdown campaign helps to improve environment: In Bangkok there is a sharp decrease in hazardous fine dust particles in the air - due to fewer cars on the roads, as Bangkok Post reports.
Attacks fire up tensions: Tuesday night two people were injured in a bomb and gun attack near the Chalerm La 56 bridge, not far from the Pathumwan intersection rally site. Then there was a bomb attack on the housing compound of Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. A bus taking protesters from the South to a rally site at Nang Loeng was set on fire, as Bangkok Post reports.
Rice-problems for government: The government of Yingluck Shinawatra is also under pressure on Thailands countryside. Rice farmers are complaining about payments, which are not coming. Rice farmers are threatening to block a major road linking Phitsanulok and Nakhon Sawan, as Bangkok Post reports.
Yingluck Shinawatra does not stop February 2 election: After holding a meeting the Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declared her government had no authority to postpone the February 2 election. But in the meantime the chances have not improved, that this election will really take place under regular conditions. Read more on The Nation.
Picture by Sora WongAnti-government protesters occupy Bangkoks streets
Day 2 of Bangkok Shutdown ended with prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra saying that she will not quit. PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban vowed to close all government offices in the coming days, and threatened to "detain" the prime minister and all members of her cabinet and cut power and water to their homes. "I think they [cabinet ministers] should send their children and spouses elsewhere," Mr Suthep warned according to Bangkok Post. At 0.10am an explosion near Hua Chang Bridge, on Phyathai Road, was reported. An injured man and a woman were transported to Chulalongkorn Hospital. The bridge is metres away from the Pathumwan rally site, as The Nation reports. The shopping centres Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and Siam Discovery closed early at 6 pm.
Day 1 of Bangkok Shutdown - how the protests have unfolded on Monday January 13, reported by The Nation and by Bangkok Post. The seven intersections Lumpini, Asok, Ratchaprasong, Pathumwan, Victory Monument, Lat Phrao and Chaeng Watthana were blocked by the opponents of the government.
Man shot near a blockade late Sunday night, reports Bangkok Post
Anti-government protesters began their Bangkok shutdown at several locations late Sunday afternoon, reports Bangkok Post. The People's Democratic Reform Committee protesters began blocking traffic and setting up stages at Pathumwan intersection, Lat Phrao intersection, Chaeng Wattana Road and Victory Monument. More roads around Lat Phrao were closed after midnight.
Updates about Shutdown in English on FM88 Radio Station
45 countries issue travel warnings for Bangkok
Bangkok Hotel warns guests not to wear red or yellow clothes
Picture by drburtoniBangkok Shurdown - announced by anti-goverment protesters around leader Suthep Thaugsuban has begun Monday January 13 and goes on. A mass demonstration of tenthousands of people is planned to oust the interim-government of Yingluck Shinawatra. What does this mean for Thailand visitors?
Bangkok may be will see the biggest demonstrations forever. May be not.
The latest reliable updates with maps of the demonstrations and the situation at the airports Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang you will find here:
richardbarrow.com
Bangkok Post
The Nation
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Suthep Thangsuban gave assurances that Suvarnabhumi airport and transport terminals will not be sealed off, and all public transportation services will be operated as usual, writes aseanaffairs.com. If this will happen is unpredictable. Passengers are asked to be at airport four hours before departures.
The traffic inside Bangkok will be blocked by demonstrations. It has been announced, that between 6 to 20 important intersections will be blocked. A map has been published by Bangkok Post. For tourists it is important to avoid these areas or others, where demonstrations will take place. In the past weeks there have been violent incidents during the protests. And violent incidents are going in: Seven people were injured in a shooting near the People's Democratic Reform Committee's (PDRC) rally site early Saturday, near the Government Lottery Office and at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, as The Nation reports. In Pathum Thani antigovernemt-protesters clashed with red shirts on Friday January 10. 4 people were hurt. Read more.
Thailands police forces recommend to use public transports on Monday: The Airport Rail Link, the Skytrain and the Metro. From Skytrain it's possible to change to Chao Phraya Express Boats as you can read here. The transport ministry has announced that there will be extra-parkings around the town, shuttle buses, more frequent railway trains, more frequent skytrains and more frequent metrotrains.
Thai Airways International will close headquarters in Bangkok, but the airline's offices at Lan Luang, Silom, and Suvarnabhumi Airport's departure terminal will be open, as thailandqua.com notes.
Hundert companies of police and military forces will be ready in Bangkok to care for security during the protests, as Bangkok Post writes. A military coup is not excluded, but does not seem imminent for the moment.
The German Ambassador has told Germans in Thailand to have enough food stocks at their homes and have enough cash. For the banks it could be difficult to fill up the cash machines during the protests, interruptions of Credit Card payment and ATM could also be caused by interruptions of power or the internet. The US Embassy in Bangkok advises citizens: "It is prudent to ensure you have a week’s supply of cash, keep your mobile communications devices charged, and stock a two week supply of essential items such as food, water, and medicine".
It is unclear, what will happen after Monday January 13. The government fears a military coup. Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said Thursday he does not side with any of the groups in the political divide, nor is the military waiting for the right time to stage another coup. But he said as well: "If one side breaks the law and another side also breaks the law and responds with violence, it will damage the nation and every Thai and no soldier could accept this”, as Bangkok Post reported. Prayuth added later: "No one will stage a coup."
What could happen in the next days? "The Nation":
Analysts say military aims to prevent violence, rather than stage a coup
And what if the govt plays soft? Moves in the days ahead by both the government and the PDRC will determine whether Thailand will find a way out or will be trapped in darkness for a very long time.
The Election Commissions is asking the goverment to postpone elections planned for February 2.
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